Best Area to Stay in Marrakech + Top Hotels & Accommodations

Looking for the best area in Marrakech to stay in? This guide has all the details you need for a perfect stay in this amazing city!

Marrakech is perhaps one of the most famous cities in Morroco, known for its open markets with thousands of vendors, its stunning historical center, and unmatched food and flavors.

Since it’s full of history and culture, you want to choose the best neighborhood and hotel to immerse yourself fully in this beautiful city.

This guide has all the best recommendations for hotels, neighborhoods, and riads if you want to stay in a traditional Moroccan home!

vendor in the medina, paintings, woven handbags for sale, other traditional moroccon items

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Marrakech Accommodation Quick Guide

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, no worries! Take a quick look at the best accommodation in Marrakech below, including the best riad in the city:

Budget—Hotel Almas: Known to be one of the best budget hotels in the medina, the best part about Hotel Almas is the balconies that each of the rooms has. You can sit outside with your coffee and watch the busyness of the town go by below you. They also have an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant.

Mid-Range—Magador Kasbah: Even though it’s mid-range price, Magador Kasbah has tons of 5-star amenities, including an outdoor pool, a spa, a gym, and a hammam. It’s close to the airport, which makes it convenient for those wanting to catch an early morning flight.

Luxury—Savoy Le Grand Hotel Marrakech: If you’re looking for an incredible 5-star hotel with some of the best amenities, this is one of the top Marrakech hotels. You can eat at one of three restaurants or have a few drinks at one of the many bars on site. They also have a free breakfast with some amazing local and Western choices.

Riad—Riad La Vie: For a beautiful traditional stay in a riad, this place has plenty of extra amenities like Wi-Fi, free bicycle rentals, and an indoor pool. They also have a breakfast buffet every morning with plenty of vegetarian and American options.

The Medina

The historical city center of the Medina of Marrakech is one of the most popular places for people to stay in the city, especially those traveling here for the first time. It also has the old fortified city in it, but it has since spread out and become a modern part of the city.

You can still see all the historical sights, such as the Bahia Palace and Koutoubia Mosque.

One of the reasons this neighborhood is so popular with travelers is because it also has the Jemaa el-Fnaa. This is one of the most famous squares in Morocco, if not in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Around the square, you can find many hotels and lodging accommodations, including hostels, cheap boutique hotels, or more expensive luxury stays in a Riad or resort.

Budget—Dar El Qadi: The best part about this budget hotel is the views of the Medina you get from the rooftop terrace. The traditional Moroccan breakfast is amazing, and they have free Wi-Fi in all the rooms and common areas.

Mid-Range—La Claire Fontaine: While this hotel has all the amenities you could dream of, most people stay here for the stunning view of the Atlas Mountains. The outside patio is beautiful, and you can drink your morning coffee or an afternoon beer in the sunshine. The rooms have everything you need, including Wi-Fi, luxury toiletries, and air conditioning.

Luxury—Palais Tara & Spa: This beautiful hotel has a wonderful spa on site with must-try treatments like massages and facials. They have a free shuttle service which can take you to various parts of the medina. They also have a nice indoor pool and free breakfast.

Riad—Riad Medina: This is a great centrally located riad in the Marrakech Medina. They offer free Wi-Fi and a nice outdoor garden. The restaurant on site serves all the best traditional Morrocan food. The breakfast is amazing, and they have many different options, including vegetarian and halal.

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Gueliz

West of the Medina, you’ll find this beautiful neighborhood. It’s the best area to stay in Marrakech if you want to see the city’s French roots, including the famous Majorelle Gardens.

There are many other French places to visit in this neighborhood, including the Holy Martyrs Church and the Matisse Art Gallery.

Since the area is more upscale than some of the other neighborhoods, the prices for accommodation tend to be on the higher end, with fewer hostels and budget hotels.

However, one side of Gueliz hosts some of the best Marrakech nightlife. Near all the bars and clubs, you’ll find some cheaper hotels.

Budget—Hotel Racine: This is a great little-budget hotel with free breakfast. Every room has a TV and a private bathroom. They also have a wellness center and a small spa on site. You can reach Djemaa El Square in less than 5 minutes, and the hotel is also within walking distance of many restaurants and bars.

Mid-Range—2Ciels Boutique Hotel: The rooms at this hotel are colorful with funky decorations, so most people like staying here for a unique vibe. The hotel has two restaurants on-site, including a seafood dining option and a place to eat tapas on the rooftop. They also have a spa and salon on site.

Luxury—Blue Sea Le Printemps: This hotel is beautiful on the inside, with soft silk sheets and big spacious beds. All the rooms also have air conditioning and minibars. They also have free Wi-Fi and free parking in case you decide to rent a car.

Riad—Riad Douirtna: Just about a mile from the Majorelle Gardens, you’ll find this homey riad. The rooms have everything you need, including toiletries, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. They have an amazing breakfast, including gluten-free and halal options. There is also a small restaurant on the property serving Moroccan dishes.

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The Marrakech Kasbah

Besides the Medina, the Kasbah is one of the most popular places to stay and has some of the best accommodations in Marrakech. The Kasbah of Marrakech is a large walled district within the southern part of the Media, which was the citadel and royal complex.

Visitors preferring a quieter and less chaotic atmosphere should head to Kasbah as it’s much calmer compared to the hustle and bustle of the Medina.

The area has a good mix of budget places and luxury accommodations, so everyone should be able to find what they are looking for.

Kasbah also has some of the best attractions in Marrakech, including the Royal Palace, the Moulay El-Yazid Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs.

Budget—Las Reves De Marrakech: For a budget stay in the Kasbah, this is one of the best places to stay in Marrakech. All rooms have a little patio in the back, perfect for enjoying the nice evening weather and gazing at the gardens. They serve breakfast every morning, and each room has a TV and air conditioning.

Mid-Range—Les Borjs De La Kasbah: Just a few minutes walk from The Royal Palace, this hotel has an outdoor heated pool, a sauna, and a traditional hammam. They have a poolside bar as well as a lounge. The restaurant on site is amazing, with traditional French and Moroccan food.

Luxury—Les Jardins De La Medina: This hotel is so popular with on-site cooking class facilities where you can learn to cook traditional Moroccan food. They also have a garden, outdoor pool, bar, and dining room that serves breakfast in the morning.

Riad—Riad Kisbah & Spa: This is one of the most elegant riads in the city, with traditional decorations in every room and in the main courtyard. There is a wonderful restaurant on site. Make sure to sit on the terrace so you can see stunning views of the mountain! The best part is the location; you can easily walk to the Saadian tombs and the El Badii Palace.

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Top Things to Do in Marrakech

Although I mentioned some of the most popular places to visit in Marrakech while discussing the neighborhoods, here is a quick list of the best things to see and do around the city.

Go shopping at the markets in the Medina. There are tons of markets and stores along the alleyways and corridors. Make sure to bargain, as most vendors are flexible on the prices and tend to increase them when they see a foreigner. If the markets and the business of the Medina scare you, you can schedule a tour to explore the area with a guide.
Take a cooking class. Moroccan food, especially the special dishes they have in Marrakech, is amazing. Taking a cooking class lets you see how traditional dishes are made, and you can even take the recipes home.
Visit the Saadian Tombs. Make sure to buy tickets in advance, or you’ll be stuck standing in line for hours. The tombs are stunning and were built by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour ed-Dhabi.
See the Koutoubia Mosque. You can’t go inside the mosque unless you’re Muslim, so many visitors see it from the outside. You can walk around it and see the stunning walls.
Tour the El Badi Palace. This beautiful palace was built in the 16th century. Touring it allows you to see the ancient architecture and also lets you see what life was like in the city during this time period.
Drink at a rooftop bar. There are tons of rooftop bars throughout Marrakech. They offer great views of the city and have some amazing drinks. Some of the most popular bars include Cafe des Espice and M Rooftop.

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How to Get to Marrakech

Marrakech has a large international airport with daily flights from all over the world. Marrakech’s Menara Airport (RAK) receives flights from many different cities around the USA, Europe, and Canada.

You might have to make a few connections depending on where you’re starting from, but getting there is still pretty easy. If you’re already in other places in Morroco, like Casablanca, you can either take a plane or train to reach Marrakech.

How to Get Around Marrakech

If you’re staying in Medina, walking is the best way to get around. If you’re in another neighborhood, you can get to Medina by bus or taxi and then walk to all the different places you want to go.

Even though Marrakech itself is very big, most of the individual neighborhoods are walkable.

When to Visit Marrakech

Marrakech can get pretty hot, so I recommend visiting in the spring or fall months. Marrakech sees quite a bit of rain all year round, so make sure to bring a good umbrella or rain jacket.

May and September see the least rain, and the weather is very cool during this time.

What is the main part of Marrakech?

The Medina is considered the main part of Marrakech as it’s the historical part of the city. It has the famous alleyways you see in photos that are filled with shops and food vendors.

It’s easy to get lost in with the many different corridors, but it’s an incredible place to walk around and experience the sights of Morrocco.

What is the best area to stay in Marrakech?

The answer to this question depends on the experience you want to have and what you’re looking for.

Most visitors are happy staying in the Medina if it’s their first time in Marrakech. It’s full of history and culture and is easy walking distance to all the main places to see.

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How many days should I spend in Marrakech?

Aim to spend at least three days in Marrakech but feel free to spend more if you have time! Three days are typically enough to see all the main sights, but adding on a day or two allows you to take a day trip and see more off-beaten-path places.

Is Marrakech safe?

Marrakech is safe for travelers, and you can feel comfortable walking around, even alone! However, pickpocketing does happen with tourists. Make sure not to flash money or other valuables.

As with all large cities, avoid walking alone at night as this is when the most crime happens.

Best Area in Marrakech to Stay: Book One of These Amazing Places!

After reading this guide, you know the best areas in Marrakech, and I hope you have an idea of where you want to stay! From budget hostels to luxury riads, Marrakech has many different accommodation options, making finding a place to stay easy.

Finding where to stay in Marrakech can be difficult since the city has many different neighborhoods all with something unique to offer.

Book a place from this guide to ensure you have a fantastic stay in a safe place with all the amenities you need to enjoy your Morrocan vacation!